Risky business
People who vandalize
Eglin houses that have
been designated for
destruc-
tion are
endan-
gering themselves
because of hazardous
materials inside. Page 2.
Fuel for you
An Eglin airman is
instrumental in keeping
them flying in Southwest
Asia. See story, page 2.
Nomad University
i The 33rd
Fighter
Wing has
set up a sys-
tem to help
to allay the
concerns of its members
in the coming draw-
down. See page 3.
Daytripper
If you only think of New
Orleans when you think
of Mardi Gras, you're
missing out
on a lot of -
the fun.
See page 4.
What's up
Bored? Check out the
Flyer calendar on
page 8.
Ambush safeguard
The Ground Combat
Training Squadron now
has 10 Mine Resistant
Ambush Protected
(MRAP) armored fight-
ing vehicles.See story on
page 9.

Airmen protect the presidents

Eglin personnel

ensure

Obama, Bush safety
By Lois Walsh
Team Ealin Public Affairs
Eglin personnel worked behind the scenes to ensure
the safety of the presidents during the week of the
inauguration.
Airmen from the 96th Security Forces Squadron
and the 96th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive
Ordnance Disposal Flight got up close and personal
with both outgoing President George W. Bush and
incoming President Barack Obama as they filled task-
ings that ensured their commanders-in-chiefs' security. 1
When then President-elect Barack Obama visited I
Baltimore as the last stop of his train tour before arriv-
ing at Washington D.C. for the inauguration, Staff Sgt.
Michael Espinoza was there. A military working dog
handler, Espinoza and his dog, Jimmy, were one of 29 Staff Sgt.
dog partners to team up with EOD personnel at the Eglin Air F
of then Pre
Please see PROTECT, page 9 rity for the

By Rick Maze
Air Force Times
A simple, Internet-based
enrollment system is planned for
the post-9/11 GI Bill to take care
of everything from initial qualifi-
cation to transferring benefits to
family members, for those who
want that option.
"We want it to be pain-free,
we want it to be simple and fast,"
said a senior defense official who
asked not to be identified because
many details remain undecided.
Pentagon and Department of
Veterans Affairs officials are
preparing to implement Aug. 1

the biggest increase in veterans
education benefits since World
War II. The program promises to
cover full tuition, with additional
stipends for books and living
expenses, for full-time students
attending the public college or
university of their choice.
On average, the combination
of payments adds up to more than
$85,000 in college benefits over
four years, and it is possible that
some people attending private
schools could get far more under
a program in which VA will pay
more if expensive schools agree
Please see BILL, page 5

Eglin battles aircraft-bird collisions

vultures, ospreys and others J .

By Noel Getlin
Team Ealin Public Affairs
The world of aviation has long
known that bird strikes on aircraft are
common, costly and deadly. But
when a flock of Canada geese recent-
ly brought down an airliner larger
than a basketball court, the rest of the
world became aware, too.
"It was an unfortunate thing that
happened in New York," said Marty
Daniel, one of two U.S. Department
of Agriculture contractors on Eglin
Air Force Base. "There were a lot of
people who didn't know a bird could
cause that kind of damage. That in
itself brought public awareness to our
kind of work."

Related story, page 4

Daniel and Charles Kara are
wildlife biologists tasked with carry-
ing out the Bird and Wildlife Aircraft
Strike Hazard program, known as
BASH. The two men in the Air
Armament Safety Office work in con-
junction with the 46th Test Wing and
other agencies to eliminate wildlife
threats on Eglin and its ranges,
including Duke Field and the
Northwest Florida Regional Airport.
According to U.S. Air Force
wildlife statistics, there were 4,790
bird strikes on Air Force aircraft in
Please see VULTURES, page 4

Air Force courtesy photos
Marty Daniel and Charles Kara, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services wildlife
biologists, hold a turkey vulture effigy before they prepare to hang it in a tree, right. At left,
turkey vultures roost atop a cell phone tower in Valparaiso.

SOUTHWEST ASIA-The know what needs to be done to get
380th Expeditionary Logistics the mission accomplished."
Readiness Squadron's Fuels Flight Schubert said he enjoys working
delivers the second largest amount in fuels because of how close
of fuel in the entire area of respon- everyone is, even when they deploy
sibility with a daily average of
520,000 gallons. .
Staff Sgt. Joshua Schubert It IS repetitious, but
is the day-shift fuels distribu- rf
tion supervisor for the flight. practice Imakes perfect.
He spends his shifts moving -Sta osha Sc
around the flight line monitor- -Staff Sgt.Joshua Schuber
ing all the ongoing refueling
operations and, when needed, lend- with airmen from other home units.
ing a hand. He is deployed from "Fuels is a family oriented Air
Eglin Air Force Base. Force specialty code," he said. "We
Schubert describes his job as like deploying with other bases not
ensuring all flight line refueling only to meet new and different
operations run smoothly to help the brethren, but each base has their
wing execute its mission and air own slightly different way of oper-
tasking orders the flight line. ating and we learn that as well."
"I'm out here performing quality While the job may seem tedious,
control and making sure everyone it can help airmen accomplish the
is doing the job correctly and mission more effectively.

"It is repetitious," Schubert said.
"But practice makes perfect. The
more we do our job the better we
get at it."
Repetition has helped Schubert
bring experience and reliability to
the mission, say his superiors.
"Sergeant Schubert is a
knowledgeable non-commis-
sioned officer with a positive atti-
tude who I can go to in a pinch,"
said Master Sgt. George Allen,
the 380th ELRS Fuels Operations
superintendent. "He brings flexi-
bility and job knowledge com-
bined with experience to the
team."
Schubert said he enjoys the job
and, like his leadership says, he has
a winning attitude.
"I lucked out getting a job like
fuels in the Air Force," he said. "I
meet lots of people and have a large
impact on getting the mission done.
That's a good feeling to wake up to
every day."

Staff Sgt. lan Strain, 380th Expeditionary Logistics
Readiness Squadron non-commissioned officer in
charge, fuels laboratory runs a test on fuel, Jan. 21.
Strain is testing the particulate content, water
amount and color of the fuel to ensure all levels are
where they need to be before the aircraft leaves the
ground. Strain is deployed from Eglin Air Force Base
and is from Littleton, N.H.

By Amn Anthony Jennings
Team Eglin Public Affairs
What began as a seemingly
harmless gesture of adolescence
could possibly become a cause
for concern among base housing
officials as a dangerous act of
destruction.
A rash of vandalism has bro-
ken out in the Eglin base housing
area in vacant housing units
scheduled for demolition.
"People think just because the
houses are being demolished
they can come in and wreak
havoc," said Staff Sgt. Julios
Morelos, 96th Civil Engineer
Squadron project manager. "But
not only are they costing the Air
Force money to clean up the
mess they made, they are putting
themselves at risk."

Softball Reg

NEW THIS YEAR: MAJOR'S SEASON WILL BEGIN EARLY
WHEN WHERE WHO
31 JAN 2009 9:00 AM 12:00 PM WOLVERINE PARK MAJOR LEAGUE (AGES 14-18)

Many of the housing units
have working electricity and gas,
posing fire and electrical haz-
ards. However, one of the main
concerns for housing officials is
asbestos exposure.
The housing units to be
demolished were built with
asbestos, a group of minerals
that occur naturally in the envi-
ronment as bundles of fibers and
can be separated into thin,
durable threads. These fibers are
resistant to heat, fire, chemicals
and do not conduct electricity,
which is why it was widely used
for construction.
When products containing
asbestos are disturbed, tiny fibers
are released into the air. If
inhaled they may get trapped in
the lungs and remain there for a
long time. Over time, these fibers
can accumulate and cause scar-
ring and inflammation, which
can lead to serious health prob-
lems.
An investigation by 96th
Security Forces Squadron into an
act of vandalism at 104 Spruce
Court led to the discovery of
drug paraphernalia for two modi-

fled smoking devices. However,
neither of the items had bum
marks or residue consistent with
drug use.
A walkthrough of the house
revealed names written on the
walls, but there was not enough
information to narrow down who
was being referenced. Security
forces went out to Spruce Court
and spoke with residents on both
sides of the street.
"We came across several
houses with children who, at one
time or another, went inside the
abandoned houses," said Master
Sgt. Jay Curtis, 96th SFS investi-
gator. "We instructed the parents
to counsel their children on the
importance of staying out of
vacant and abandoned houses."
"Parents should be vigilant
and keep a watchful eye of what
their children are doing because
if they are caught, there are con-
sequences," said Kathy Lawhon,
96th CE housing official. "This
is another reason to keep their
yards up to standards as a pre-
ventative measure to ensure their
house isn't mistaken as vacant
and possibly vandalized."

Kenneth Books
Managing Editor
Candice O'Brien M
Graphic Artist G.

Ignacio Macasaet Gwen Pellnitz
Graphic Artist GraphicArtist

ike Lewis Deborah Tipton
raphicArtist Receptionist

Karon Dey
Bookkeeper

Bunni Farnham Dennis Neal Stephen Smith
Advertising Representative Advertising Representative Advertising Representative
The Eglin Flyer is published by Bayou Enterprises Inc, a private firm in no way connected with the U S Air
Force This publication's content is not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by the U S Government, the
Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Eglin Air Force Base The official news source for
Eglin Air Force Base is www eglin af mil The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute
endorsement by the U S Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, Eglin Air
Force Base or Bayou Enterprises Inc for products or services advertised Everything advertised in this
publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color religion, sex,
national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmert factor of the
purchaser user or patron Edtorial content is edited, prepared and provided by Bayou Enterprises Inc

Air Force Photo by Chrissy Cuttita
Staff Sgt. Joel Church, 33rd Operations Support Squadron air crew
flight equipment craftsman, sets up a computer for use at the
Nomad University cyber cafe that opened Jan. 28. The university is
a 33rd Fighter Wing personnel-led venture to provide services for
personnel who are relocating due to the wing's drawdown.

By Chrissy Cuttita
Team Ealin Public Affairs
Cutting the ribbon of Nomad
University Jan. 28 meant doors
of support opened for airmen
with personal issues related to
the 33rd Fighter Wing draw-
down.
The area set aside in the
same building as the
dining facility pro-
vides a central loca- In
tion for family sup-
port, Internet usage, bigg
faith-based spiritual
support and a place fami
for children to occupy
themselves while
their parents make
decisions on their
future.
"The concept came from
wing leadership who wanted
something to help smooth tran-
sition," said Master Sgt. Steven
Zellers who is responsible for
maintaining the university.
In September the sergeant
helped prepare what was needed
to ask 9th Air Force for finan-
cial assistance which resulted in
$21,000 to cover initial setup.

"In all assignments, the
biggest concerns are usually
family-type issues," said Chief
Master Sgt. Douglas Kesler,
33rd FW command chief.
"There is always great stress on
getting children to new schools,
helping the spouse get employ-
ment, transferring all financial

I11 assignments, the

est concerns are usu

ily-type issues.

-Chief Master Sgt. Douglas K

requirements, selling homes,
changing registration on vehi-
cles, moving pets, changing
medical and dental care just to
name a few. The Air Force
assists members moving into
their new duty but even more
importantly they do a great job
of helping families during this
transition. "
Eglin's Airmen and Family
Readiness Center personnel are

ready to support appointments
at the university so wing mem-
bers will not have to travel to
the other side of the base, away
from their duty location, for
support. Working with wing
leadership they plan to address
any stress commonly experi-
enced when airmen and their
families are uprooted
in a military perma-
nent change of station.
"The unknowns are
tally the primary drivers of
this stress and the
relocation program is
designed to help
.esler reduce most of these
unknowns through an
A&FRC program
called Smooth Move," said Jim
Helms. "Smooth Move is
attended by both the military
member and spouse and is facil-
itated by the A&FRC, Law
Office, Finance, Travel, Traffic
Management Office, Housing
and TRICARE. These are nor-
mally the primary agencies mili-
tary PCSing need to get infor-
mation from and ask their vari-
ous questions to."

Future

topic of

seminar
By SSgt. Stacia Zachary
Team Ealin Public Affairs
Dr. George Friedman,
Strategic Forecasting founder
and CEO, will present a semi-
nar based on his latest book,
"The Next 100 Years-A
FORECAST for the 21st
Century" Feb. 10. The event,
hosted by The Air Force
Research Laboratory
Munitions Directorate
Revolutionary Tcl-' ii, h -.1,
Team and the Air Armament
Academy, will be from 9 to 10
a.m. at the Eglin Conference
Center, across from the bowl-
ing alley.
Friedman will discuss what
he foresees as the top issues in
the international arena and
how he uses trends as indica-
tors to advise on potential
future situations. The STRAT-
FOR analyst will introduce his
"'i-ch i.liiy i techniques" and
show how he applies them to
given situation to map out
future events. Key topics of
discussion are technological
advances to come from the
current Global War on Terror,
population trends and geopo-
litical forecasting.
A professor of political sci-
ence for almost 20 years,
Friedman was an early design-
er of computerized war games.
While working in academics,
he briefed military and politi-
cal leadership including senior
commanders in all armed serv-
ices, the U.S. Army War
College, National Defense
University and the RAND
Corporation on security and
national defense matters.
To register for the seminar,
sign up online at the A3 Web
site,
https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/ASP
s/Reg/Register.asp?Filter=00-
ED-AA-
A2&Eventid=191 &Groupid=2
45&Class=81973&TypeName
=Class.

Paqe 3

NCUA

~i~s~t~n~

Friday, January 30, 2009

Pilot knows bird strike danger first hand

After 26 years in the air, colonel

learned how serious it can be

By Noel Getlin
Team Ealin Public Affairs
Former 46th Test Wing Vice
Commander Col. Kevin Burms
went for 26 1/2 years without hit-
ting a single bird in flight. But on
April 23, 2001, just a short time
before he retired from the Air
Force, he found out just how seri-
ous a bird strike could be.
The colonel, with 800 F-16
flight hours and 4,500 total flight
hours under his belt, was flying
an F-16B on a routine bombing
mission out on the range under
low-level clouds. A flight test
engineer was in the back seat for
the mission.
"We were going out to the
range to drop trainer bombs, BU-
33s, on a two-ship mission," said
the colonel, who, incidentally,
chaired Eglin's bird activity com-
mittee at the time.
He was on his third bomb run
of the mission when the tell-tale
smoke used to spot the bomb
landing didn't appear. As he
began the turn to climb back up
to pattern altitude, it happened.
"I made it most of the way
through the 90-degree turn when
all I saw was this big gray
(area)," said Bums. "Then I heard
this really loud crack noise and I
knew (a bird) hit the airplane."

He said everything seemed
OK at first; and just as he thought
he'd gotten lucky, the engine
began grinding and he knew the
bird had gone down the engine
intake.
He immediately headed in the
direction of the closest airfield,
Duke Field, and climbed as high
as he could. He wanted to get to
at least 2,000 feet above ground
level, the recommended mini-
mum altitude for ejecting from an
aircraft.
In the meantime, the engine
made intermittent grinding nois-
es.
"I didn't know if we were
going to make it," Bums said. "If
the engine quit, we were going to
eject right away."
"We were pretty full of fuel
since it was early in the mission,"
Bums said. In addition, they also
had a hot gun with lots of ammu-
nition that he was going to shoot
during the mission but hadn't had
a chance.
Because of the weight, he
came in for landing at a high
speed, making the brakes
extremely hot. Unbeknownst to
the pilot and passenger, the strike
had punctured an oil tank and
severed fuel lines causing jet fuel
to spill out in a large pool

_-
Air Force courtesy photo
Col. Bill Thornton, former 46th Operations Group commander,
takes a look a the damage a bird did to the F-16 Falcon aircraft
he flew during his fini flight as a commander on Eglin. Thornton
is currently the 412th Test Wing commander at Edwards Air
Force Base, Calif.

beneath them on the runway.
When he tried to move the plane
out of the puddle, the engine was
so trashed, it wouldn't move.
"When I pushed it up to go,
the engine compressor stalled and
it wouldn't go anywhere, so I
shut the engine down," he said.
"When you shut down on those
kind of airplanes, if no one's
underneath to catch it, there's a
little fuel dump from the engine
(from fuel in the lines)." When
that happened, the fuel dumped
on the hot brakes igniting the fuel
on the ground.
"We were surprised by it," he
said. "I saw this big fireball
underneath the left wing, so we

egressed the aircraft more quickly
than we'd like to."
The fii, lil. i, I were on it
right away and, other than a few
bruises, both men made it out
unscathed.
From the experience, officials
improved communications on the
airfield. At that time, the pilot
could not communicate with the
fil. liIlI i, on the ground, so the
tower relayed messages back and
forth. But now, the pilot can
speak directly with ground crews
and fii li -'hll I,
Colonel Burns said every
effort helps.
"It could have been worse," he

First United Methodist Church of Niceville
214Partin Dr.S. 678-4411 www.fumcniceville.org

VULTURES
From page I
2007 costing $125 million in
damages. There were 15 air
strikes near airfields at Eglin and
Duke Field in 2008, and 32
reported off site.
There's been a drop in aircraft
and bird collisions since 2004
when 21 birds struck aircraft, and
that's no accident. Daniel and
Kara came to Eglin in May 2005
to refocus efforts on the BASH
program. At the time, the pro-
gram several agencies managed
the program. Now their addition
allows one agency to coordinate
the efforts and get to duties in a
timely manner.
The scientists say the majority
of their work is around the air-
fields because the most dangerous
time for aircraft is during take off
and landing. But low-level flying
is also an opportunity for colli-
sions with large birds, such as
turkey vultures, hawks, eagles,
falcons and kestrels. These birds
of prey hunt from a much higher
altitude that puts them in the path
of C-130s performing low-level
missions.
"It's not just big birds that are
threats, but the flocks of small
birds like mourning doves, the
European starlings and killdeer
that get sucked into the engine
intakes," Kara said. Bird strikes
can damage the engine blades
causing it to shut down, as well as
sever fuel lines. If birds collide
with other parts of the plane, they
can go through canopies, wings,
cone radar in the nose of the
plane, and damage a number of
sensors and antennas.
"There's always a reason that
wildlife is in the area," said
Daniel. "Something is attracting
them there. So if you have a spe-
cific area they are (-.I.iil--li.
you go and try to figure out the
source of the problem."
"In November, there was an
influx of turkey vultures near the
approach of Runway 19," said
Daniel. "We figured out a vulture
effigy is a good way to go
because it's nonlethal and quiet'"
Effigies are hung upside down in
tall trees and even cell phone tow-
ers at the altitude the birds fly. "If
you can hang it in the birds' travel
corridor or their roost, they don't
like it," Daniel said.
But these methods are consid-
ered reactive and both men prefer
to be proactive and use nonlethal
techniques.
"We concentrate more on
habitat modification to prevent
birds and mammals from being
there in the first place," Daniel
said. "You're always going to
have a problem. No matter how
many times you shoot or scare
them away, they'll just keep com-
ing back'"
There are regulations now to
keep grass around airfields
around 14 inches high to discour-
age flocking birds. Tall grass pre-
vents the birds from seeing each
other to warn against imminent
danger. It's also harder for the
birds to find the insects and seeds
they eat in the tall grass. The base
also uses insecticides and cuts
down fruit and berry trees
because they attract insects.
They also trap beavers that
build dams near the air field
because the dams create fertile
grounds for waterfowl. Several
birds, like osprey, like to roost
over water because it's difficult
for predators to reach them.
"We are highly skilled," said
Kara, adding that it's not a hunt-
ing job, as many people think it
is.
"It's about making safer skies
for those who fly birds and
people," said Daniel.

Paqe 4

CHUc iRESIY

Weddings, Engagements, or SpecialAnniversaries?
Just write up a brief article and enclose a photo if possible.
Bring it by or mail it to:
Eglin Flyer 1181 E. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, FL 32578

tjFBC

Friday, January 30, 2009

BILL
From page I
to discount tuition rates for people
using the new GI Bill.
While some of the most cru-
cial details-like exactly how
much will be paid-have yet to
be determined, defense and VA
officials are working on rules to
simplify the application process
and make it easy for people to
understand their benefits.
There are a few surprises in
the VA proposal. For example, VA
officials have determined that
divorce will cut off a spouse's
right to continue using transferred
benefits, and children will lose
their right to transferred benefits if
they get married. The two restric-
tions stem from the definition of
"family member" in VA law.
VA officials did have to fill in
some holes in the law, such as
what to do about benefits for peo-
ple attending schools outside the
U.S. In addition, special rules pre-
vent benefits from being wasted
in case military duties disrupt a
student's education, or if other
mitigating factors-such as a
service-connected disability-
force someone to withdraw from
school.
Here are details of the plan.
Tuition payments
Basic benefits, paid directly to
a college or university, will cover
full tuition plus fees up to a cap
equal to the highest in-state
tuition rate for a four-year public
institution in the state where a
person is attending school.
The average in-state tuition
with fees for four-year schools is

By Samuel King Jr.
Team Ealin Public Affairs
Volunteering for an opportuni-
ty to incorporate electronic war-
fare into a real-world wartime
environment has led to a Bronze
Star medal for one engineer in the
36th Electronic Warfare
Squadron.
Capt. Pamela Tan, a military
engineer, received her medal Jan.
22 from Col. Steve DePalmer,
53rd Wing commander, for her
seven-month service as an elec-
tronic warfare officer
with an Army battalion '
in Iraq. h
Tan, a six-year veter-
an, said she volunteered yOU
for the deployment as a the
change of pace from her th e
primary duty as a team
member testing the loa(
ALR-56M pod for the
F-15.
After five weeks of
training, she was stationed at a
forward operating base south of
Baghdad and put in charge of the
ground electronic warfare mission
for an entire Army battalion of
close to 500 people.
"When I got there, the Army
unit was preparing to leave, so I
had the opportunity to learn my
job with the 'old' pros, then train
a brand new battalion on electron-
ic warfare," said the 30-year-old.
Her primary duties were to
install and maintain the frequency
jammers attached to the vehicles
that would go outside the base
perimeter and train the soldiers on
how to use it. To do that, she
often ventured beyond the wire to
see the tactics the Army used, so
she could better incorporate elec-

$6,585 this year and is expected
to increase about 6 percent for the
2009-10 academic year, according
to the College Board.
Two important factors could
reduce payments: the amount of
active service a member has since
Sept. 11, 2001, and the number of
credits being taken. Anyone with
fewer than three years of service
or taking less than a full load of
classes will get a percentage of
full benefits.
Private-school tuition
A public-private matching
fund program would increase
benefits for students using the
Post-9/11 GI Bill at private insti-
tutions where tuition and fees
exceed the maximum benefit
for each state based on public-
school costs.
This "Yellow Ribbon" pro-
gram requires VA to sign agree-
ments with each participating
school under which VA will pay
$1 more in tuition for each dollar
that the school reduces its tuition
costs for GI Bill users. This
makes it possible for full tuition
to be covered at private schools.
Schools can limit the number
of people receiving reduced
tuition under the program as long
as they make the reductions avail-
able on a first-come, first-served
basis. This will prevent schools
from discounting costs for full-
time students only.
Schools also must promise that
the reduced tuition rates would
remain in effect for an entire aca-
demic year.
Benefit limits
Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are
limited, as with most other veter-

tronic warfare into their routine.
"It was very important to get
face-time with those soldiers who
were actually using the equip-
ment," said Tan. "I tried to pro-
vide them some basic trou-
bleshooting tips if the system
went down. Many times the sol-
diers had never seen or touched
this equipment before arriving in
theater."
Midway through her deploy-
ment, there was a leadership
change and a new set of direc-

ad a good routine gc

Know. I knew all th

n all of a sudden the

d doubled.'

-Capt Pai

tives. Her unit's area of responsi-
bility grew from a few small vil-
lages to an area the size of
Atlanta. This created new chal-
lenges for the captain's single-
person shop.
"I had a good routine going,
you know. I knew all the guys,
then all of a sudden the workload
doubled," said the California
native. "Now there were new vul-
nerabilities, intel, population and
interference."
With all of new challenges and
exposure, the unit never lost a life
to combat.
"When the soldiers would
return from patrol, I would hear
stories of explosions going off
after the convoy would roll by,"
said the captain. "They would say

ans education benefits programs,
to 36 months of payments, with
the ability to start and stop using
them over time.
Housing stipend
A living expense, based on the
military's basic allowance for
housing, will be paid to most stu-
dents using the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
The stipend will not be paid to
people using their GI Bill benefits
for distance learning courses or to

people attending school less than
half-time.
The living expense will equal
the Basic Allowance for Housing
of an E-5 with dependents for the
ZIP code where the student is
enrolled in school if the school is
in the U.S. If the school spans
more than one ZIP code, the
stipend will be based on the rate
for the ZIP code that covers the
majority of the school, which is
not necessarily the same as the
majority of campus housing.
The average monthly BAH for
an E-5 with dependents today is
about $1,328.
Book allowance
A book allowance, which also
covers the cost of other supplies,

it had to be the jammers."
The captain is the third
member of the 36 EWS to
deploy as an electronic warfare
officer and two more are on the
way. Even the squadron com-
mander has completed a tour,
and he knows the importance
of the EW mission in the field.
"I am extremely proud of
Capt. Tan," said Lt. Col. Greg
Patchske, 36 EWS commander.
"Her accomplishments while
deployed truly amaze me. The
53rd EWG
(Electronic
ing, Warfare Group)
i U has been pro-
eguys viding EW
work- support to
Swork- Army units in
both
Afghanistan
a Tn and Iraq for
m ela Tan several years
now. Our EW
professionals assist the Army
with integrating EW into their
ground operations. Bottom
line-soldiers' lives were saved
by the heroic efforts of Capt.
Tan and all the deployed EW
experts."

105 Lewis St.

will be paid in a lump sum at the
start of a semester. A student may
receive up to $1,000 per academic
year, but actual payments will be
based on how many credits are
being taken.
This is a flat payment, not a
reimbursement, intended to cover
books, supplies, equipment and
other costs not covered by tuition
and fees.
Transfer rights
While defense and service
P officials are still working on
final details, the rules taking
shape will allow the entire career
force-including retirement-eligi-
ble members who are still serv-
ing-to transfer all or part of their
earned Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
to spouses and children.
Members will be able to
decide how much can be trans-
ferred and can change or cancel
the transfer at any time as long as
the order is done in writing.
Benefits can be transferred to
more than one person but cannot
exceed the total 36 months of
benefits earned by the member.
Service members must make
new four-year commitments to
transfer benefits and could be
forced to repay any used benefits
if they do not complete the four
years. However, defense and serv-
ice officials are working on their
own transfer rules that will make

exceptions when a member can't
complete the four years, as when
disability, high-year tenure or
some other factor ends military
service.
The basic law passed last year
says benefits can be transferred to
a spouse after a member serves
six years and to a child or chil-
dren after 10 years of service, as
long as the new four-year com-
mitment is made in writing.
Spouses can use benefits, with
the service member's permission,
while the member is on active
duty and for up to 15 years after
either the member's separation
from the service or the member's
death.
Tutorial assistance
Receiving a new benefit to
cover the cost of tutoring requires
a certification that the tutoring is
necessary and is limited to stu-
dents attending school at least
half-time. Those who are eligible
can receive $100 per month for
up to 12 months.
Licensing tests
Up to $2,000 is available to
reimburse the cost of taking one
licensing or certification test. The
payment would come on top of
all other Post-9/11 GI Bill bene-
fits.
(Full information, www.air-
forcetimes.com.)

Mardi Gras isn't just a New
Orleans phenomenon. Parades,
balls and events take place all
over the Gulf Coast, including
a celebration scheduled for the
area Feb. 7.
"Oh my, I thought the Miss
America pageant was the big
event for dresses and tiaras,"
said April Davis, wife of
deployed Special Operations
Command JAG Capt. Aubrey
Davis. A recent family outing
to Mobile, Ala., was an eye-
opener for the Montana native.
"I thought Mardi Gras was one
day only," she said. "I had no
idea so much went into the
event," she said.
The first Mardi Gras parade
of the 2009 Mobile season
kicked off at Dauphin Island
with Krewe De La Dauphine
on Saturday, Jan. 24.
The Greater Fort Walton
Beach Chamber of Commerce
sponsors Mardi Gras by the
Sea Feb. 7, starting with a
parade at 11 a.m. on Santa
Rosa Boulevard, Okaloosa
Island. Following a festival at
the boardwalk, festivities come
to a head at the Santa Rosa
Mall, with live music played
by "Miles from Coltrane" at a
Mardi Gras ball.
Before you enjoy the local
celebration, you can get a feel
for Mardi Gras at the Mardi
Gras museum in Mobile.
Wilbur Pillman, the man
responsible for 50 years of rev-
elry as the court jester to
Mobile royalty, guides the
party through the Mobile
Carnival Museum (MCM).
"The museum has only been
open since 2005, but we are
very pleased with what we
have accomplished and the

insight we provide the public
about the celebration and
pageantry that is Mardi Gras,"
said Pillman. The historic
Bernstein-Bush house is home
to the MCM. The building's
detailed crown molding,
authentic pine wood floors,
and unique chandeliers would
alone be worth a tour when
visiting Mobile. Yet the ornate
gowns, trains, and costumes
that fill the 14 rooms and line
the hallways are truly the
crown jewels of the structure.
The gowns are worn during
black tie balls by queens and
their courts, sponsored by the

various krewes (organizations
that sponsor balls and celebra-
tions for Mardi Gras.)
"Who pays for the gowns?
One word: Daddy," said
Pillman. The "daddy" of whom
Pillman spoke was the father
of the Mardi Gras reigning
queen, chosen annually. Many
queens come from successive
generations of Mobile's finest
families. This is southern tradi-
tion at its most fundamental
nature.
"This crown was worn by
three generations, starting in
1903 and was then worn in the
years 1936, 1957, and 1959-

all by family members," said
Pillman. Anyone who appreci-
ates the time involved in hand-
work will want to spend a
good bit of time at the muse-
um.
"Gown selection starts
almost immediately following
the selection of the queen at
the Thanksgiving Camellia
Ball. The queen is chosen from
distinguished Mobile debu-
tantes," said Pillman.
Pointing to a rare purple
gown, Pillman said, "This
gown took the entire year from
announcement to the day it
was worn to be completed. The
80-pound train is outfitted with
rollers for support. The collars
are both elaborate and beauti-
ful, but they are designed to be
harnesses the lady wears to
support gown trains."

Among the many costumes
worn by Mardi Gras kings and
queens, discreetly hidden in a
second floor corer showcase
is Pillman's own jester cos-
tume. "I've been wearing that
same costume for 50 years
now-I was wearing it during
the ball in which I met the love
of my life, my wife," said
Pillman.
Touring the MCM brings
Mobile's history to life. Mardi
Gras as celebrated in the
United States originated in
Mobile, Ala. in 1703.
"Most people think of New
Orleans as the home of beads
and moon pies, but it all start-
ed here in Mobile," said
Pillman.
Celebrations continued
Please see DAYTRIPPER, page 7

Mobile Carnival Museum
Getting there: Travel west along 1-10 toward Mobile.Just prior
to entering the city of Mobile, take exit 27.After exiting, contin-
ue straight through the stop light and through the Bankhead
Tunnel.This is Government Street.The museum is down five
blocks at the intersection of Claiborne Street and Government
(on the southwest corner).
Hours of operation: Monday,Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. (Last tour begins at 3 p.m.)
Telephone: 251-432-3324
Accessibility:The museum is wheel chair accessible on 2 of the
3 levels via an elevator.
Entrance fees:Adults, $5; Children 12 and under, $2;
Under age 3: No charge
Other information: Mobile has many Mardi Gras parades and
events scheduled. For a full list, go to
mobilecarnivalmuseum.com.
Locally, on Okaloosa Island, Mardi Gras on the Island, will take
place Saturday, Feb. 7.The parade will begin at I I a.m. on Santa
Rosa Boulevard with more than 70 Mardi Gras theme floats.A
festival will take place at The Boardwalk, noon-5 p.m., with
music, food, costumes, children's activities.The celebration closes
with the Mardi Gras by the Sea Ball at the Mall: Carnivale
Atmosphere at Santa Rosa Mall, 8 p.m.- I a.m., with live music by
"Miles from Coltrane" Mardi Gras costumes or black tie; Local
restaurants featuring "Taste of Mardi Gras." Tickets, $35, now
available at the Chamber office.
Pensacola's Mardi Gras parade is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21,
2 p.m. pensacolamardigras.com
Panama City's Mardi Gras celebration is scheduled for Friday,
Feb. 6, through Saturday, Feb. 7, 3-5 p.m.
visitpanamacitybeach.com.

j
t

Friday, January 30, 2009

I i . N...................

What would a Mardi
Gras parade be
without beads
being tossed to the
crowd? The beads
were plentiful at the
Dauphin Island
parade last
Saturday.
Photos
by Dianne Bitzes

Mardi Gras is a
family affair. Entire
clans dress to the
nines to celebrate
and party until the
more solemn sea-
son of Lent, as
shown by these
costumes in the
Mobile museum.

The entrance to the Mobile Carnival Museum. The colorful
and exotic display around the doorway lets the visitor know
he's in for something unique.

DAYTRIPPER
From page 6
annually until the Civil War.
"Following the war, Joe Caine,
a clerk for the city of Mobile,
decided the time for mourning
was over, dressed up in cos-
tume, and persuaded fellow
Mobilians to join in the revel-
ry," said Pillman.
In 1938, the Mobile Area
Mardi Gras Association, Inc.
(MAMGA), formally the
Colored Carnival Association
(CCA), was incorporated under
the trusteeship of W. L.
Russell, D.D.S, J.T. McKinnis,
Sam Besteda, Jr., and Dr. J.A.
Franklin. Russell, a respected
dentist and civic leader, was
president of the CCA and
MAMGA for fifty years.
Russell envisioned the carnival
association as an outlet for the
youth of the black community
to display their talents.
"Sometime during the 80s,
one of the main organizing
bodies for carnival season, the
Mobile Carnival Association,
invited MAMGA to combine
with them," said Pillman.
"MAMGA declined the invita-
tion and told MCA, you cele-
brate in your way, and we'll
celebrate in ours."
Today the MCA and the
MAMGA is about cultural
diversity, not segregation. The
carnival museum is proud to
house history and costumes
from most of Mobile's carnival
krewes.
"From now until Fat
Tuesday (the day before Ash
Wednesday and the final day
of Mardi Gras), there are
parades all over the gulf
region. The hardest part of
Mardi Gras is deciding which
parades to attend," said Davis.
"I can't wait until the next time
we go out and get more beads,
moon pies, and all the other
stuff they throw off the floats!"

7Term ]Brokers
I sJ -1i Fz? ^
Have you been dropped, non-renewed or
seen enormous rate increases from your
current insurance company?
Term Brokers Insurance Services is helping to strengthen
the local economy by offering homeowners' insurance rates
that can lower your premium significantly with coverage
placed through a carrier rated "A Exceptional" by a
national insurance rating service. Call us today for

Blood drives for January
Northwest Florida Blood Services
Blood Mobile calendar
Friday, Jan. 30: Eglin BX, 9 a.m.-
3 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 31: White Wilson
Niceville, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 3: Fort Walton
Medical Center, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.; Alys
Beach, 30A, noon-5 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 4: Faith
Assembly Church,
Geronimo Street, Destin,
8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 5:
Baker High School,
noon-7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 8: First United
Methodist Church, Crestview, 599
Eighth Ave., 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Eglin summer hiring
The Eglin Civilian Personnel
Office is accepting applications for
summer hire positions in clerical and
general laborer. To apply, pick up
applications from your school coun-
selor's office or at the Civilian
Personnel Office on Eglin AFB, 310
WVan Matre Ave., Bldg. 210, Rm.
101, on the first floor hallway. The
Applications will be available in a
rack next to door of Rm. 101.
Applications will be accepted through
Feb. 13, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday
through Friday. Applications mailed
in must be postmarked by Feb. 13.
Applicants must have reached their
16th birthday by June 8, 2009, and
must be enrolled at least part-time in
high school, college, or vocational
technical school. For more informa-
tion, call Angie Beal at 882-3967 or
Sherry Akers at 882-6258.
Women's scholarship set
Republican Women of Okaloosa,
Federated are accepting applications
for their annual $1,000 scholarship,
established to assist a high school
female graduate pursue
her college education. p q
The recipient must show
a high degree of motiva-
tion in pursuit of her
education and have an
active history of community service
and/or political involvement.
Applications must be received by

April 15. The scholarship will be
awarded April 25. For more informa-
tion and a copy of the application,
visit the Web site rwof.org or contact
Gayle Blumberg at 863-4194.
Tax reception desk
Volunteers are needed to run the
reception desk at the Tax
Center during tax season.
No training or previous
experience is required.
Anyone with an ID card
can volunteer. Help is needed during
two shift times: 8-11 a.m. or 12:30-
3:30 p.m. through April. Volunteers
will work once a week. More infor-
mation: Susan Reaves, 882-1040 or
e-mail susan.reaves@eglin.af.mil.
Poster contest
The Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber's Billy Bowlegs Pirate
Festival Committee has announced its
annual contest for the official 2009
"Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival" poster
artwork. This year's festival will be
June 4-8 in Fort Walton Beach.
Artwork submissions should be
11-by-14 inches and include the
theme verbiage of "No Surrender." It
must contain the words "54th Billy
Bowlegs Pirate Festival, Fort Walton
Beach, FL." All submissions should
be in a camera-ready medium and
unsigned.
The winning artist will be featured
in a press release and will be given
booth space at the festival to sell
signed copies of the winning poster
artwork and other work of his choice.
(The Chamber will provide up to 100
copies of the poster for the artist's
sales booth.) Submit your artwork to
the Chamber, 34 S.E. Miracle Stip
Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach. Entry
deadline is March 1. For further infor-
mation, call Brenda Fame at 244-
8191.
Power Hour
The Power Hour exercise class
incorporates strength and resistance
training which can transform your
whole body within one hour. This
fun, upbeat class will allow you to
both straighten and tone all you major
muscle groups at one time using
dumbbells and weight bars. Classes
are adjustable to any fitness level and
great for people that need the motiva-
tion of a group environment or just
want to break from their regular rou-
tine. Class time is Tuesdays at 7 a.m.
at the Fitness Center Annex/HAWC.
Class Instructor is Susan Hunter, a
Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness
Instructor with numerous specialized
certifications. Call 883-9127.

Parking lot closed
The parking lot located on the
south side of Building 851, immedi-
ately south of water tower 857, will
remain closed for parking and pedes-
trian/vehicle traffic until Feb. 27.
What's your idea?
The Air Force Idea Program will
have your ideas reviewed and evaluat-
ed by a subject matter expert and you
might earn some extra money if your
idea is adopted by the Air Force.
More information: 882-3964 or
https://ipds.csd.disa.mil.
Free Super Bowl party
The Eglin Chapel
Singles group will spon-
sor a free Super Bowl
party on Sunday, Feb. 1,
5 p.m., at the Chapel
Center Annex. There will be wings,
pizza, chips and beverages with the
game shown on a wide-screen TV.
For more information, call Dave
Nickerson, 882-4046 or 729-1831.
Black History Month liturgy
The Catholic African-American
Awareness Group of Okaloosa
County invites the public to its
Annual Liturgical Mass
Commemorating Black History
Month Sunday, Feb. 1, at Saint Mary
Catholic Church, 110 St. Mary Ave.,
Fort Walton Beach. The mass will
emphasize the rich heritage of
African-American culture in the
Catholic Church.
The Eglin Brotherhood Choir
will begin the celebration with a 30-
minute concert, beginning at 2 p.m.
The mass will start at 2:30 p.m. The
combined choirs from St. Joseph and
St. Anthony parishes of Pensacola
will provide music during the mass.
A reception will follow.
Point of contact: Roland
Simmons, president, 729-2573.
Team Lean Challenge 2009
Team Lean Challenge is a com-
mand-wide initiative designed to
help the AFMC workforce develop a
healthier lifestyle by instilling good
habits, building a nutrition/exercise
routine and losing weight in a safe,
healthy manner. It runs March 2 -
May 29. Online enrollment runs Feb.
2-27. If you don't currently have an
account, log onto afmcwellness.com
and take the health risk appraisal to
access the site. Official weigh-ins
will be conducted weekdays Feb. 19-
26, 7:30-9:30 a.m., and Feb. 27, 7:30
a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Fitness
Annex/HAWC, Bldg. 843, 2nd floor.

For more information, call the
Fitness Center Annex/HAWC. 883-
9127.
February boating seminars
Four boating semi-
nars starting at 7 p.m.
will be conducted in
February at the
University of West
Florida Coombs
Campus, Lovejoy Road, Fort Walton
Beach. The two-hour seminars,
geared toward local boaters, are
being presented as a part the UWF
Continuing Education program. The
schedule: Feb. 2, knots, bends and
hitches; Feb. 9, on board weather
forecasting; Feb. 16, GPS usage for
navigation; Feb. 23, rules of the road.
Registration is available online
through the UWF Continuing
Education Maritime Education Web
site: uwf.edu" www.uwf.edu.
Information, 315-0686 or 474-
2914 or visit fwsps.com.
Free career workshops
The Career Resource Center at
Northwest Florida State College will
hold a series of workshops that pro-
vide tips on resume writing, choos-
ing a college major, and techniques
for job interviews. Workshops are
free and are open to students and the
general public. To reserve a seat, call
729-5227.
Resume Writing
Feb. 3: 5-5:50 p.m., Room 353,
Fort Walton Beach campus
Interviewing Techniques
Feb. 5: 5-5:50 p.m., Room 353,
Fort Walton Beach campus
Choosing a Major
Feb. 12: 1-2 p.m., Room 328,
Fort Walton Beach campus
Resume Writing and Interviewing
Techniques (combined workshop)
Feb. 17: 10-noon, Room 154,
Chautauqua Center, DeFuniak
Springs.
Emergency response team
Okaloosa County Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT)
will hold training sessions Tuesdays,
6-8:30 p.m., Feb. 3-March 31 at the
Wright Fire Department (#2
Racetrack Road), Fort Walton Beach.
Registration can be made online
at okaloosa-cert-
team.org/SignUp.html or, for more
information, contact, Jennifer
Tindall, 243-0315, or e-mail
CERT@united-way.org.
Classical music study
Music from the composers

Paqe 8

Flyer photo

Water media

The Niceville Public Library is featuring a water media exhibit
by noted local artist Maria Armstrong through Feb. 27.

~ I~ I

Frederick Delius and Elliott Carter
will be the topic at the
community classical
music study series,
Better Listening, Feb. 4,
at the Unitarian
Universalist Fellowship
of the Emerald Coast in Valparaiso.
All sessions are open to the public
and free. No reservations are
required. The programs are held each
Wednesday at 7 p.m. through Feb.
25. Call Lou Johnson at 897-1411 or
e-mail musicstudy@uufec.com for
further information.
Personnel issue seminars
A team from the Air Force
Personnel Center will visit Eglin
Feb. 4 to talk to civilians, enlisted
and officers about personnel issues.
Two sessions are scheduled: 10-
11:30 a.m. at the Officers' Club and
2-3:30 p.m. at Nomad Hall. Specific
topics covered in the Spread the
Word briefings include 365-day
deployment options, the Global Air
and Space Expeditionary Force
tempo-banding system, civilian hir-
ing procedures, and assignment
processes for officers and enlisted
airmen.
Women's health fair
In conjunction with Women's
Health Month, the
Republican Women of
Okaloosa, Federated will
host a health fair on
Wednesday, Feb. 4, at
the Holiday Inn
SunSpree, Okaloosa Island, begin-
ning at 11:30 a.m.
The program will be led by
Micki Glenn, who specializes in
women's health issues. Glenn devel-
oped an interest in the subject early
in her career as a mammographer.
She later opened her own clinic
where she performed bone density
studies. Her profession in radiology
created a special interest in bone
densitometry, with a concentration
on osteoporosis, and its effects on
women's health.
To make a reservation, contact
Bev McNally at 609-7989 or mcnal-
ly2@cox.net by noon Friday, Jan.
30. Cost of the lunch is $15 for
members and $18 for guests. For
more information about RWOF, visit
rwof.org.
53d Wing Annual Awards
The 53d Wing will hold its annu-
al awards banquet Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. at
the Emerald Coast Conference
Center. Members from the various
geographically separated units will
come into town to celebrate and
award its best and brightest. The
guest speaker is Chief Master Sgt.
Stephen Sullens, Air Combat
Command Command Chief. For
more information, call 882-0053.
Mystery By The Book Club
S The Fort Walton
Beach Library Mystery
by the Book Club will
meet at noon Thursday,
Feb. 5, in the library
meeting room to discuss the book
"The Cat Who Could Read
Backwards," by Lilian Jackson
Braun. Bring a brown bag lunch;
coffee and dessert will be served. For
more information, call 833-9590.
Special Olympics cagers
Come out and support the 2009
Northwest Florida Special Olympics
Sectional Basketball Tournament.
Athletes of all ages and skill levels
will participate in individual and
team events. Competition will be
held at the Eglin Fitness Center and
Lewis Middle School Feb. 6, 1-5
p.m. (opening ceremonies, then into
competition), and Feb. 7, 8 a.m.-
noon. Cheer on local competitors as
they vie for a spot in the state tourna-
ment. Info: call 883-7321 ext. 3301
or e-mail Jason.Seitz@eglin.af.mil
Mardi Gras trip
Join Information Tickets and
Tours on a trip to the New Orleans
Mardi Gras, Feb. 6-8. The trip
includes transportation, two nights at
the Hilton Riverside, the "Krewe du
Vieux" parade in the French Quarter
and a visit to Harrah's casino with
admission to Mardi Gras World. Cost
is $185 per person with double occu-
pancy. More information, call 882-
5930.

By Lois Walsh
Team Eglin Public Affairs
Eglin airmen are training with
a new asset that may one day
save their lives.
The Ground Combat Training
Squadron recently acquired 10
Mine Resistant Ambush
Protected (MRAP) armored fight-
ing vehicles. These vehicles,
designed to survive IED attacks
and ambushes, add another
dimension to the curriculum of
the squadron's schoolhouse
which provides flexible training
to security forces personnel prior
to deployment. The MRAPs, with
their distinctive V-shape hulls and
beefy profile, may be seen on the
roadways around the base.
Master Sgt. Howard Stahl,
GCTS'NCOIC for Logistics, said
the MRAPs are a great addition
to the schoolhouse.
"Students will have training
on what the warfighters are going
to see when they get downrange,"
Stahl said.
The students will spend 32
hours training on vehicle opera-
tions. The training focuses on

driving the vehicle, safety and
operating the equipment mounted
inside. While many of the stu-
dents have experience with
Humvees, the MRAPs are larger,
wider and taller.
Staff Sgt. Robert Springer,
NCOIC for Force Protection
Technologies, there's an entirely
different feel to the MRAPS.
Scenarios for use in training have
been developed for the students,
including convoy operations.
They can also be used as live-fire
platforms for exercises.
"We'll be using them both on
base and off base out on the
ranges," Sergeant Springer said.
"People might see them out on
the roads as we have to cross
main roads to get to the range."
Springer asks that the base
populace to give the MRAPs
some room on the road" when
they see them on or off base.
"The MRAPs have many
blind spots for the operators not
unlike those found on a semi-
tractor trailer," he said, "so driv-
ers need to use caution around
them."

Paae 9

PROTECT
From page I
War Memorial Plaza. The ser-
geant, who left Eglin Jan. 15,
had just three days to prepare to
be part of this historic event.
According to Espinoza, secret
service tasked his team with
securing buildings surrounding
the square and vehicle entry con-
trol point monitoring. More than
100,000 people attended the
event.
"We were expecting to have
quite a few upset people because
they (Baltimore police) would
only allow 30,000 inside the
square," Espinoza said. "But it
went pretty smoothly."
The sergeant, who has been a
dog handler since 2003, has
experience with distinguished
visitors, supporting both
Presidents Bush and Carter. But
he was well aware of the signifi-
cance of the president-elect's
stop.
"It's history-it's not every

day that's going to happen," he
said. "It wasn't the actual inau-
guration, but it was close
enough."
A few states away, the EOD
team headed to Midland, Texas,
where the Bush family, including
former President George H.W.
Bush and former first lady
Barbara Bush, were arriving on
Jan. 20, after the inauguration.
About 20,000 people welcomed
the Bushes at Centennial Plaza.
Staff Sgts. Daniel Batt,
Michael Pereira, Matthew
Wilt, Michael Edwards, Senior
Airman Anthony DeMarino and
Airman First Class Kyle
Massengale left Eglin Jan. 19 at
the request of the secret service.
Divided into three teams of two,
Pereira said their responsibilities
included sweeping the area
where the crowds and president
would be. Tech Sgt. Robert
Brooking, NCOIC of the EOD
Test Directives Section, worked
the details to ensure the teams
arrived with some tools of the

trade, including "good-looking
clothing."
"We arrived prior to the
crowd and supported the Secret
Service in whatever they need-
ed," Batt said. "It wasn't obvious
to the general public who we
were or what we were doing
there."
The teams just got a quick
glimpse of the president through
the window of his SUV but did
get up close to a real celebrity,
the White House dog, Miss
Beasley, who was stretching her
legs at the airport.
The EOD technicians spent a
full day with their presidential
duties, which were a "unique
experience" for the heavily
deployed team. It was the first
time Massengale had a chance to
protect a president, although he
was involved when former Vice
President Dick Cheney visited
Fort Walton Beach in the fall.
"It was a moment in history,"
said Pereira concluded.
(First of two articles.)

SHome is newly painted with 3 BR
carpeted and 2 BR tiled. Remodeled
kitchen, tiled, all new electric appli-
ances. Washer and dryer stay with
home. Large living room with
French doors that enter a screened-in patio.
Roof is 4 years old, this home has a large fenced-in
yard with a wooden deck and built-in benches
surround deck, patio furniture stays.
Great feature is the oversized 2 car garage.

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY
Earn extra cash of $45 to $140 or more each week in your
spare time! The Bay Beacon seeks a reliable independent
contractor to insert, bag, and deliver newspapers Tuesday
night. You must be over 21 and have a reliable vehicle, a good
driving record, a Florida driver's license, and proof of current
liability insurance. No collecting duties. Earnings vary
according to route and work load. Stop by the Bay Beacon for
an information sheet and to fill out an application. The Beacon
1181 E. John Sims Parkway, Niceville 678-1080 (Parkway
East Shopping Center across from PoFolks)

HapPY
New Year C
S Realty Inc. 9

Realtor' )(
MLS,

IT'S OPPORTUNITY TIEI-
ONE VISIT IS ALL YOU NEED to know this 3/3 is for you. 2904SF showplac/ 9'lo 12' ceil-
r i. l:. hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, 3 car garage, upgrades throughout .is l nd a sun
room and lanai too! $399,400 Web#780
LIFE LOOKS BETTER HERE at this 3/2.5 home in Lake Pippin Estates. This two story home
has lots of living space and is located on Choctawhatchee Bay with breathtaking views. A nature
lover's paradise with lots of trees. $685,000 Web#814
2008 PARADE OF HOMES WINNER! Lovely single story all brick 4/3 Gary Miller Home in Swift
Creek. 4 living areas, 3 car garage, hardwood and tile flooring, raised ceilings, custom mill work,
stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. $549,000 Web#808
SCREATE YOUR OWN MASTERPIECE on this half acre Swift Creek home site! This lot will
S accommodate most luxury home plans. Enjoy amenities like the large community center, sparkling
pool, tennis, and a 3-mile walking trail! $99,000 Web#807
BLUEWATER ELEMENTARY DISTRICT...Take a close look at this picturesque country home in
Sii,. heart of Bluewater Bay! From the rocking chair front porch to the renovated kitchen, to the
three living areas, to the huge backyard, you'll find a warm and inviting floorplan, top notch
condition, and a great place to call HOME! $295,000 Web#806
, SAVVY BUYERS WELCOME at this 2506SF, 4/2 Gary Miller resale home located in the heart of
SElue,,.ai:. Bay! Designed with a flowing floorplan, 3 living areas, high ceilings, and sporting a
brand new kitchen, this home is one of the best buys in Bluewater! See it today for
$349,900! Web#805
BRING ALL OFFERS on this 2/2, 1110SF condo in Seascape Garden Villas. Beautiful view from
S :..:i porch of the 11th fairway and green. Partially furnished and ready to be your primary
residence or a summer get-a-way. $225,000 Web#792
BEAUTIFUL LOT on newly paved road with many mature trees located just 3 blocks from the
E' a,. Great price for first time homebuyer or builder looking for economical lot! $49,500 Web#898
SSAY "HELLO" TO THIS GOOD BUY in Cedar Ridge. The sellers have transformed this 1843SF,
S ..iii new wood and tile floors, fresh paint, stainless appliances, granite counters, new interior
door, a sunny Florida room and more! Terrific value at 249,900! Web#899
SHUGE HOME on ? acre golf course lot with pool and Jacuzzi awaits your family. This beautiful
S i.:.,-, has it all from granite counters tops in the kitchen to spiral staircase in the courtyard by the
Jacuzzi. Priced to sell! Make your appointment today! $365,000 Web#900
LOOKING FOR A RENTAL?
CALL OUR RENTAL OFFICE AT 678-9448

GUIDELINES FOR FREE FLEA MARKET ADS
* Free Flea Market ads are for the one-time sale of personal property. They cannot be
used for home sales, rentals, child-care services, or commercial products and services.
(See the Paid Classified Ad coupon at right for our low price on such ads.)
* Free Flea Market ads may be no longer than 25 words and must include the item price.
* Free Flea Market ads must be e-mailed to free@eglinflyer.com or
free@hurlburtpatriot.com (not both).
* Your full name, address, day phone and home phone must be in the e-mail. (Except for
the phone number you specify in the ad. This identifying information won't be included in
the published ad.)
* Free Flea Market ads run only once per submission. If you want to run the ad again,
please e-mail it again. You may submit more than one ad per week.
* The publisher can't promise that any free Flea Market ad will run. The way to ensure
your ad will run is to submit a paid ad. See the Paid Classified Ad form.
* The publisher reserves the right to edit or refuse any ad.
The Eglin Flyer The Hurlburt Patriot
1181 E. John Sims Parkway, Niceville FL 32578
(850) 678-1080 Fax: (850) 729-3225
free@eglinflyer.com free@hurlburtpatriot.com
Paid Ad Couon

Pleas
is $

I Fir

$
I $

$

$
$

*Ba

Name

Addre
I

e wr
9.95

st Wo

10.15

12.15

13.15
ase

ite ad on form. Include phone number as part of ad. Minimum charge
* for up to 10 words. Each additional word 200. Attach more paper ii